The Daily News conducted a Q and A via email with each candidate asking them for their take on city issues. Councilman Schmid opted to not answer the questions.

Candidates were asked to keep their word count to less than 200.

Question: Homelessness has been a concern among residents in Red Bluff and the Stakeholders’ 10-year-plan has been backed by the city. How far does the city’s responsibility extend in alleviating the issue of homelessness and why do you feel this way?

Dieters: The issue of homelessness is a complex issue that not just Red Bluff faces. The state as an entirety faces this issue and there is no easy resolution. There is a need to look at the underlying causes, which include drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues, domestic abuse and lack of employment opportunities and then evaluate what role the city government can play to help alleviate the issue. Tehama County and the city of Red Bluff have had the issue of homelessness for some time but, quite frankly, has had limited resources to develop any real plan to alleviate the problem. That said government, cannot resolve the majority of the underlying issues that are causative of the problem and at the same time should not serve as a deterrent to solutions.

Eyestone: Per the grand jury report, we just need to have a plan for helping alleviate the homeless issue. We have allotted $10,000 per year to help and use toward homeless issues. We are a part of the Stakeholders 10-year plan. We have a council member that is part of the Continuum of Care Council. While we can be a part of the solution, it is not financially possible or feasible for any one entity to solely fund or solve the homeless issues. Personally, since I don’t believe we can financially support a solution to solve this issue; I hope that we do not stand in the the way of the people who want to provide assistance programs, housing and options to end homelessness.

Jones: It is important for the city to be involved with the homeless problem. These people are our citizens and we need to try our best to provide those who want our help with the services and opportunities to get themselves into a better situation. Hopefully getting those who are willing to accept help and want to get out of their current situation, the city can assist them to find housing, employment and become contributing members of our community as opposed to the state that they are currently in.

Q: The property at 6 Sutter St. has come up in many City Council meetings and discussions have been had regarding what the city should do about it. What do you think local government’s role should be regarding private property being deemed a public nuisance? Should the city take a more hands-on or hands off approach?

Dieters: The city should take a hands-on approach to this issue without a doubt.

Eyestone: Whether a public or private property (as long as that property is inside our jurisdictional limits), I believe that any property that is a public nuisance or danger to the people for any reason, it is our civic duty to make sure the proper procedures and abatement are used to keep the majority of the people safe. With 6 Sutter Street as an example, the danger that exists at that building as far as fire, or injury from the dilapidation should be at the forefront. We need to be hands-on to keep people safe, if the property owners are not going to keep the property well maintained.

Jones: I think the city getting involved with private property and forcing a property owner should be a last resort. However, in this particular situation, I feel that the city has given substantial opportunities to this particular property owner to resolve and fix the issues. I don’t like having to step in with the heavy hand of government but sometimes situations arise where it is necessary and that is why there are provisions in the city code for situations where there is no other remedy.

Q: Though the city’s budget seems to be recovering from previous shortages, what specific ways would you like to see the city manage a balanced budget? Are there departments you feel are over or underfunded?

Dieters: Without a working knowledge of the city budget I would not presume to express an opinion of any department’s budget.

Eyestone: All of our departments could use better funding. However, we are limited and need to be aware and diligent of our actual income. The reason for our additional positions and funding has been in direct correlation to the 1/4 cent sales tax initiate. We need to keep our expenditures to be at or below our income. It was only eight years ago that we were at a $200,000 budget, where we need to be at a minimum of $1.2 million in reserves. The biggest solution, for the city and in life, do not spend more than you have.

Jones: The most important thing in this midterm election is the importance of Measures A and B to retaining the fire and police personnel that we have had over the last several years. As far as what city council can do is to make sure that we have a healthy reserve because as well as the department’s budget to be effective with the funds that are allocated to them, there are always unexpected issues that arise every year that we cannot anticipate. I believe that our budget committee does an excellent job and our department heads are very conscientious of the fact that the funds in their budget come from the taxpayers of Red Bluff and make sure that the funds are spent thoughtfully.